A brand-new patio completely transforms a garden. But once summer is over, it’s easy to forget about it. You spend much less time out there lounging with a cool drink passing the time. Autumn and winter follows unforgivingly, they’re harder on the outdoor surfaces than the heatwaves we’ve become accustomed to.
Falling leaves, drumming rain, and frost all create conditions that encourage staining, moss, and algae.
There is good news though. Maintaining a new patio throughout the colder months is not a task that needs to be difficult. A little preparation and attention help keep the surface looking good and makes your spring clean-up considerably easier.
Keep leaves and debris under control
Fallen leaves, the confetti of autumn, looks harmless. Although, if they are allowed to sit and decay for weeks they will leave organic staining on your patio. They can also create a damp environment that algae and moss love.
Try to sweep the patio regularly during autumn. Don’t wait until all the leaves have fallen. A soft outdoor broom is usually sufficient for removing debris without putting the surface under duress.
Pay particular attention to corners and areas underneath furniture, where leaves and moisture can remain trapped.
Deal with stains sooner rather than later
The longer dirt and organic matter remain on your patio, the more difficult they become to remove.
If you notice bird spoors, remnants of that barbeque you hosted, mud, or other stains, deal with them sooner. Don’t allow them to become established. Use a cleaning method that’s appropriate for the type of material you have.
It is definitely worth checking the manufacturers recommendations before using strong chemicals on a new surface.
It is also worth checking the manufacturer's recommendations before using strong cleaning chemicals or pressure-washing equipment on a new surface.
Be careful with pressure washers
A pressure washer makes short work of dirty paving. But more pressure is not ubiquitously better.
Excessive pressure at close range can damage or disturb your patio. On a newly installed patio, it is particularly important to understand what the surface and joints can tolerate.
If you do use one, keep the nozzle moving and avoid concentrating the jet on a single area for too long.
Watch out for moss and algae
Cold and damp conditions might sound refreshing after the blistering summer we have just had, but they also provide ideal conditions for moss and algae. Areas that aren’t bathed in sunlight are particularly susceptible.
Don’t wait for your patio to become slippery before dealing with it. Regular sweeping and appropriate cleaning prevent a small problem from escalating.
If the surface becomes particularly slippery, treat is as a critical safety issue as well as an aesthetic one.
Think about drainage
Good drainage is important during the winter.
Make sure your drains, channels, and other drainage points aren’t blocked by debris. Water that sits on the surface will contribute to staining and of course can freeze over.
You won’t need to spend hours inspecting your patio every day. A quick check after heavy rainfall can tell you whether the water is draining away.
Think carefully about sealing
If your patio is suitable for sealing, a quality paving sealer provides additional protection against moisture.
However, sealing is not automatically appropriate for all patios and applying a product because it promises to protect the surface might do more harm.
Always check the product’s suitability for your paving material. Follow the manufacturers instructions. If the patio has been newly installed, you should check if there’s a waiting period before sealing.
Don't let winter catch you out
What you want it to roll into spring and enjoy that new patio. It’s just about preventing small problems from escalating.
So, sweep those leaves, deal with spills and staining, watch for moss. None of those jobs take very long, but together they will make a marked difference to how your patio looks when the cuckoos finally return.
A new patio is an investment in your home and garden. A little maintenance during the less glamorous months of the year can help ensure it still looks like a new addition when the warmer weather returns.
If you’re worried about damp in your home and want an expert opinion, call us on 01604 380 930. We offer a free damp survey for peace of mind.
Share this post: